Security fears mean Soldier F's Bloody Sunday case may be held in Belfast

By Michael McHugh

Security fears mean substantive legal proceedings against an Army veteran accused of two murders on Bloody Sunday are set to be held in Belfast, a judge has said.

It is unlikely witnesses due to give evidence about Soldier F's alleged role on a notorious day of Troubles bloodshed could be heard in the Londonderry courthouse, District Judge Barney McElholm said.

A month-long hearing to decide whether to send the accused to trial is due to be held.

The former paratrooper is also charged with five counts of attempted murder over shootings during a civil rights demonstration on January 30 1972.

The district judge said: "We cannot convene this in just some hall or public space.

"There are considerations of security.

"We are willing to listen to any reasonable opposition put to us.

"At the moment, despite trying to get somewhere closer to the city, I am afraid Belfast looks like the venue."

Up to 25 witnesses could be called during a hearing to produce evidence before the accused veteran is sent to trial in a higher court, a previous hearing at Bishop Street Courthouse in Londonderry was told by his lawyer.

The public legal proceedings could take up to a month.

On Friday, District Judge McElholm said Londonderry's aged courthouse was limited in terms of size and acoustics.

He said: "We have spent a lot of time looking at this and trying to get a venue providing sufficient accommodation that those who wish to attend the hearing can do so in reasonable comfort, also there are security considerations and people being able to hear what is going on."

IMGAE: Families of those shot on Bloody Sunday ahead of a previous court hearing in Bishop Street, Derry Londonderry.